The fine-scale genetic structure of the two-spotted spider mite in a commercial greenhouse.
The fine-scale genetic structure of Tetranychus urticae Koch was studied to estimate local gene flow within a rose tree habitat in a commercial greenhouse using seven microsatellite markers. Two beds of rose trees with different population densities were selected and 18 consecutive quadrats of 1.2 m length were sequentially established in each bed. Heterozygote deficiency was positive within quadrats, which was most likely a result of the Wahlund effect because the mites usually form small breeding colonies. Low population density and frequent inbreeding could also accelerate genetic differentiation among the breeding colonies. A short-range (2.4-3.6 m) positive autocorrelation and clear genetic cline among quadrat populations was detected within a bed. This suggests that gene flow was limited to a short range even if population density was substantially increased. Therefore, large-scale dispersal such as aerial dispersal contributed very little to gene flow in the greenhouse.
Uesugi
R
R
Laboratory of Ecological Information, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan. consbiol@yahoo.co.jp
Kunimoto
Y
Y
Osakabe
Mh
M
D025041:Animal Migration; D000818:Animals; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D005260:Female; D051456:Gene Flow; D006580:Genetic Carrier Screening; D040961:Genetic Drift; D007178:Inbreeding; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics; D040102:Tetranychidae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology